You probably know about French bulldogs from their omnipresent memes and Instagram photos. But you might not be aware of the high rate of health problems that plague this breed. French bulldogs are particularly prone to certain conditions, including brachycephalic syndrome. This is a set of anatomical characteristics that causes breathing difficulties, skin folds, and eye problems. As a result, most French bulldog owners will require some specific care and accommodation for their pet. Fortunately, there are few things easier than owning a dog if you’re ready to commit to its needs. Fluffy French Bulldogs don’t shed as much as other dogs but they do produce hair — especially if they’ve got long hair (which they usually do). Their soft fur is not coarse like many other breeds but it can still collect in your home quickly if you don’t take precautions. Here’s everything you need to know about fluffing a French Bulldog.
Basics of Owning a Fluffy French Bulldog
Owning a French bulldog is not for everyone, but if you’re able to commit to some specific needs, it’s a rewarding experience. French bulldogs are particularly prone to certain conditions, including brachycephalic syndrome. This is a set of anatomical characteristics that causes breathing difficulties, skin folds, and eye problems. As a result, most French bulldog owners will require some specific care and accommodation for their pet. Fortunately, there are few things easier than owning a dog if you’re ready to commit to its needs.
Why Do Fluffy French Bulldogs Shed?
The short answer is that all dogs shed, but the longer answer is that French bulldogs’ fur is a special type of hair called ‘rowing’. This kind of hair is common in toy breeds or smaller dog breeds, and it tends to come out in clumps instead of falling out gradually. You won’t find it on larger breeds, which is why Frenchies are often mistaken for miniature poodles.
Where Does the Fluff Come From?
The fluff that French bulldogs shed comes from their undercoat. To understand this, think of your own hair — you have an outer layer and an undercoat that controls your body temperature. This special undercoat is responsible for the fluffiness of French bulldogs and is often the cause of their eye problems. The undercoat is also highly sensitive to changes in the environment, which is why Frenchies are more likely to shed during seasonal changes.
How to Clean a French Bulldog
French bulldogs should be bathed as little as possible, due to the sensitive nature of their skin and the risk of infection. These dogs also require a special type of shampoo and should be dried with a towel, not a blow dryer. Your best bet is to use a rubber or silicon shampoo mitt to scrub them down. Be careful with the face, ears, and eyes — these areas are delicate and require special attention.
Tips for Maintaining Fluffy Fur
As with any dog, you should brush your French bulldog regularly to maintain their fluffiness. This is both healthier for your French bulldog and reduces shedding on your furniture. Hair grows in cycles, with each cycle lasting between two and six weeks. If you brush your dog regularly, you break the cycle, keeping their fur from getting too long and tangling. You’ll also improve your French bulldog’s overall health by keeping their coat healthy and free from pests like ticks and fleas.
How Much Do Fluffy French Bulldogs Shed?
The amount of hair French bulldogs shed depends on their coat. Short-haired Frenchies tend to shed less than their long-haired counterparts. Long-haired Frenchies should be brushed daily to avoid matting, but even short haired Frenchies need some brushing to stay healthy.
How to Reduce the Amount of Fluff
Brushing your French bulldog is the best way to reduce the amount of fluff in your home. It also improves their health and reduces the amount of attention they need from a veterinarian. Find time in your schedule to brush your French bulldog daily, both to reduce shedding and prevent matting.
Tips for Managing Fluff
When it comes to French bulldogs, the best rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected. If you have a long haired French bulldog, be prepared to vacuum often and accept that you can’t control where the hair goes. Frenchies also tend to shed heavily during seasonal changes, so be prepared to do some extra cleaning around autumn and spring.
Grooming a Fluffy French Bulldog
Long-haired French bulldogs should be groomed by a professional every few months or whenever their coat becomes tangled and matted. Short-haired Frenchies can be groomed at home, but it takes some practice to get the hang of it. You can also hire a professional if necessary. Brush your French bulldog daily with a soft bristle brush to prevent matting and clean their coat. These dogs also require a special type of shampoo and should be dried with a towel, not a blow dryer. Your best bet is to use a rubber or silicon shampoo mitt to scrub them down. Be careful with the face, ears, and eyes — these areas are delicate and require special attention.
Wrapping Up
The fluffiness of French bulldogs is a source of joy for many owners, but it can also cause a few problems. Whether you’re brushing your French bulldog daily or wrestling with their shedding seasons, their soft fur can quickly become overwhelming. You can reduce the amount of fluff in your home by sticking to a grooming routine, but you can also take steps to prevent it from building up in the first place. Whether you want to reduce the amount of fluff in your home or are simply looking for a new way to spend time with your dog, grooming is an effective way to spend time with your pet and reduce the amount of hair shed in your home.
